1. What Is NECO and Who Are Internal and External Candidates?

NECO (National Examinations Council) runs important exams for students in Nigeria.

• Internal candidates are SS3 students enrolled in secondary schools.

• External candidates are private individuals who study outside formal school and register on their own to take the SSCE (also called NECO GCE). They usually sit exams later in the year.

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2. Internal Candidate Registration Requirements: What Schools and Students Need

School Responsibilities

• Portal Access: Schools use their NECO portal accounts. New schools must claim the portal using their official email and phone.

• Offline App: Schools register students through the NECO offline app, enter bio-data, and upload passport photos (in school uniform).

• Activation Documents: Schools must submit validation lists, signed photocards, and subject analysis sheets to NECO State Coordinators before registering students.

• Minimum Candidate Threshold: Schools should register at least 20 students to avoid the ₦70,000 unviable centre supplementary charge.

Student Requirements

• Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, gender, state of origin, LGA, school info, valid email and phone.

• Photo: Recent passport photo (white background), taken within last six months.

• Biometric Data: Fingerprints are captured and must match during the exam.

• Subject Selection: Minimum of 8 subjects, maximum of 9, including English and Mathematics.

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3. External Candidate Requirements: What Private Candidates Must Prepare

Who Can Register?

• Must have attempted NECO SSCE in the past five years.

• Needs a National Identification Number (NIN) and must be ready for offline biometric capture.

What You Need to Submit

• Personal Information: Name, DOB, gender, state, disability status, etc.

• Passport Photo: White background, not older than six months.

• Biometric Fingerprints: Taken during offline registration and checked during the exam

• Subjects: Choose 8 to 9 subjects, including English and Mathematics.

• Attested Photocard: Must be signed/stamped by authorized persons (principal, cleric, officer, civil servant, lawyers.

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4. Step‑by‑Step Registration Process for Both Candidate Types

Internal Candidates (School Students)

1. School gets portal access and app.

2. Offline data entry with student details and photo.

3. School submits activation documents along with Remita receipts.

4. Pay ₦22,250 registration fee plus extras (syllabus, photo album, folder).

5. Upload data online, approve printouts, and distribute photocards to students.

6. Track timelines carefully:

   • Start: 11 November 2024

   • Normal close: 2 June 2025

   • Late: 3–10 June 2025 (₦5,000 penalty)

   • Portal closes: 10 June 2025

   • CAS 3 upload: 25 July 2025

External Candidates (Private)

1. Register via NECO portal or approved cybercafe.

2. Create account (email/phone), activate it.

3. Submit details, photo, subject choices (8–9).

4. Pay fee: Typically ₦17,800–₦22,250 plus extras.

5. Biometric capture and upload.

6. Print photocard and timetable; get attestation.

7. Complete before deadline.

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5. Registration Fees, Additional Materials, and Payment Methods

Internal Candidates

• Registration fee: ₦22,250

• Extra costs:

  • Photo album: ₦2,700 (per pair)

  • Four‑figure table: ₦500

  • Certificate folder: ₦2,500

  • Syllabus: ₦2,000

  • Unviable centre fee (<20 students): ₦70,000

  • Late penalty: ₦5,000

External Candidates

• Basic fee: ₦17,800–₦22,250

• Add‑ons:

  • Four‑figure table: ₦500

  • Waterproof jacket: ₦2,000

  • Late: +₂₰₠₰ for walking in or late submission

Payment Methods

• Through NECO portal via Remita—options include ATM, bank, USSD, internet banking, wallet.

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6. Deadlines and Penalties: Important Dates for Internal vs External

Internal Candidates (SSCE June/July)

• Opens: 11 November 2024

• Closes: 2 June 2025

• Late period: 3–10 June 2025 (₦5,000 extra)

• Portal closes: 10 June 2025 at 11:59 PM

• CAS 3 Upload: 25 July 2025

External Candidates (NECO GCE SSCE Nov/Dec)

• Registration opens: 7 July 2025

• Closes: 18 September 2025

• Late: from 19 September (₦10,000 extra)

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7. Pros and Cons of Internal vs External Registration

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8. Quick Examples of Both Registration Paths

• Internal: You’re in SS3, your school registers you with your class, you pay small fees, get your photocard before exams.

• External: You finished school earlier, register online yourself at a cybercafe, pay higher fees, do your biometric, and sit exam in Nov/Dec.

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9. Comparison: Internal vs External Requirements

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10. FAQs – 10+ Questions Answered Clearly

1. Can I register as both internal and external?
   No. If you are still in school, use internal. If not, register as external.

2. Are biometric fingerprints compulsory?
   Yes—they check them before and during exams—any mismatch is treated as impersonation.

3. How many subjects can I register?
   Minimum 8, maximum 9—including English and Math.

4. Can I correct my registration information after uploading?
   Yes, but only once, and only one detail like name or photo.

5. Where do I get my NECO certificate folder and table?
   Purchase from school (internal) or cybercafe (external).

6. Is late registration allowed?
   Yes, but you pay extra: ₦5,000 (internal) or ₦10,000 (external).

7. Do I need NIN to register?
   External candidates need NIN; internal usually rely on school records.

8. Who signs my external photocard?
   Principal, cleric, senior officer, civil servant (GL14+), or legal practitioner (10+ yrs).

9. Can I change exam center later?
   No. Choose carefully before uploading.

10. What if I upload twice by mistake?
    Results may be cancelled. Avoid multiple registrations.

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11. Final Tips and Conclusion

• Follow the correct path—school or private—based on your situation.

• Gather documents early—photo, NIN (if external), fee, etc.

• Check deadlines carefully to avoid extra charges.

• Keep records like receipts, confirmation slips, photocards.

• Verify before final submission—names, subjects, contact info, etc.

By planning ahead and staying organized, both internal and external candidates can complete NECO 2025 registration successfully. Good luck on your exams—study well, do your best, and you’ll shine!